On this day in 1971, Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising army, navy and air force came into being and launched an all-out attack on the Pakistani occupation forces.
Since the country’s independence, the day has been observed as the Armed Forces Day every year.The day’s programmes started with the offering of special prayers in mosques of all cantonments, naval outposts and establishments and air force outposts after Fazr prayers seeking divine blessings for the country’s welfare and progress and continued development and progress of the Armed Forces.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at ‘Shikha Anirban’ (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning to pay homage to members of the Armed Forces who had embraced martyrdom in the War of Liberation.
President Abdul Hamid, who is also the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion.
The President in his message expressed his strong belief that the Armed Forces members will continue their all-out efforts to uphold their honour through intensive exercise, discipline, professional skills, sincerity and patriotism.
The Prime Minister said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had set up Bangladesh Military Academy, Combined Arms School and training schools for each military core. “Our government has been continuously working for modernisation of the Armed Forces,” she added.
She expressed the belief that every member of the Armed Forces will protect the country’s sovereignty with patriotism, professionalism and dedication being imbued with the Liberation War spirit.The chiefs of the three services will pay courtesy calls on the president at Bangabhaban and the Prime Minister at the Armed Forces Division at Dhaka Cantonment.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister will host a reception and meet the family members of the Bir Shresthas and other gallantry award-winning freedom fighters at the Armed Forces Division.
In the afternoon, Sheikh Hasina, who also holds the Defence portfolio, will host a reception at Sena Kunja in Dhaka Cantonment to commemorate the day.
The chiefs of the Navy, Air Force and Army will also accord receptions to the award-winning freedom fighters of their respective forces and their inheritors on November 21, 22 and 25 respectively.
Besides, receptions will be held at Savar, Barishal, Bogura, Ghatail, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Cumilla, Sylhet, Jashore, Rangpur, Khulna and Rajendrapur cantonments.
Meanwhile, programmes have been chalked out to observe the day at all army garrisons, naval ships and establishments and air force bases throughout the country.
Specially decorated ships of Navy will remain open at Sadarghat in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Chandpur and Barishal for visitors from 2pm till sunset.
Bangladesh Television (BTV) was scheduled to broadcast a special programme titled ‘Anirban’ after its 8 pm bulletin on Wednesday highlighting significance of the day.
Besides, Bangladesh Betar will broadcast a special ‘Durbar’ programme at 7:30pm on Thursday.
The national dailies will publish special supplements on the occasion.
Besides, essay and drawing competitions will be arranged in educational institutions under the Armed Forces.
